Ryan Peckford is an advantageous spot with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The 18-year-old has settled onto a line with Warriors captain Brett Howden and 51-goal man Jayden Halbgewachs and he’s taking full advantage of that opportunity.

In the five games since Howden returned from the World Juniors, Peckford has one goal and seven points.

“They’re both unbelievably talented players, so you get them the puck and they’re going to find a way to get it into the back of the net, so it’s definitely a great chance for me to play with two high-end guys and I’ve just got to try and make the most of it,” said Peckford.

Don’t let Peckford’s excitement to be playing with Howden and Halbgewachs fool you, he brings a lot to the line as well, using his six-foot-one frame to create space and showing a knack for playmaking.

“I fit in pretty well with that line, I can keep up with them and also create a little bit of room and get to the net hard,” said Peckford. “They can both score, so just get them the puck.”

Peckford is in his third Western Hockey League season. He’s already set career-highs with 17 goals and 43 points in 49 games.

The Stony Plain, AB product said that he’s trying to learn as much as he can from his line mates in an effort to take his game to another level.

“I’m always trying to ask (Howden and Halbgewachs) pointers and they’re always helping me out with stuff, so it’s really good for me,” said Peckford.

Peckford joined the Warriors in early December as he was the key piece coming to Moose Jaw in the deal that sent veteran forward Noah Gregor to the Victoria Royals.

He’s been a point-per-game player since coming to Moose Jaw with four goals and 16 points in 16 games.

After starting his WHL career in Victoria, Peckford said he’s definitely started to find a home here in Moose Jaw.

“I’m starting to fit in really well, the guys are easy to get along with, so that definitely helps with the transition and the coaching is great here, so it’s a really good organization and I’m glad that I’m here,” said Peckford.

“All the guys here are so close and have all bought into playing Warriors hockey and doing things right and that really makes you want to push that extra bit for to get wins.”

Peckford received some big news on Monday as he was ranked 97th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He said the recognition is nice, but doesn’t change anything for him.

“It definitely makes you feel good that you’re getting noticed, but it doesn’t mean anything at the end of the day, you’ve just got to keep going out there and playing hard and just try to play good hockey,” said Peckford.

The Warriors are off this week as they prepare for a two-game road trip to Alberta this weekend. They’ll be in Lethbridge on Friday and then Medicine Hat on Saturday.